Rollie De Leon (4th from left) holding his Philippine Pavilion entry.

MANILA, Philippines -- GMA-7 has made its presence felt abroad again when its award-winning production designer and national curator Rolando “Rollie” de Leon emerged one of the awardees of the 2011 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Space and Design.

De Leon received the Rainbow Cormorant Award for his winning pavilion that represented the iconic bahay kubo made of bamboos where the three major Philippine regions – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – are represented in three major cultural iconographies of the Christian, Muslim, and Lumad cultures.

This only Asian entry also highlighted costumes, photographs, and the retrospective publication on Manila Broadcasting Company’s Aliwan Fiesta, materials from GMA-7’s Kapuso Fiesta, maquettes of various local productions for which he did the set design, Angono’s Higantes, Abel Iloko fabric, Darangen dolls from Mindanao, and Bohol’s Teatro Abatan.

De Leon is one of the country’s renowned scenographers who has been a staunch advocate of design disciplines for theater. He is a loyal Kapuso who handled the set designs of majority of the network’s TV specials and regional events including Mutya ng Pilipinas 2001; Miss Asia Pacific Quest Inc. 2002; Binibining Pilipinas; GMA Anniversary Specials, etc.

He accepted the award at the Czech National Gallery in Veletrzni Palace last June 24.

Founded in 1967, the Prague Quadrennial has presented work from more than 70 countries on five continents. The exhibition draws thousands of performance and theatre professionals.

The Philippine Pavilion joined Turkey and the Czech Republic as the “Children’s Choice Awardees” under the PQ’s Children’s Program.

WWII Exhibit in Tarlac City

Veterans Bank recently brought its multi-awarded World War II traveling exhibit to SM City Tarlac, which will be on display until July 19. The exhibit showcases hundreds of vintage photographs, artifacts and memorabilia culled from historians, veterans and museums. A project of Veterans Bank, SM City Tarlac and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, the traveling exhibit is open to the public.

The exhibit was recently opened by Tarlac Vice-Governor Pearl Angeli Pacada, Tarlac City Mayor Ace Manalang (who is also an actor, having appeared in a movie with Manny Pacquiao), Concepcion Tarlac Mayor Noel Villanueva, Cmdr. Felix Miguel VFP Regional VP and PVB President & CEO Ricardo A. Balbido Jr.

The opening of the exhibit was timed with the declaration made by Gen. Douglas MacArthur 66 years ago last June 30 that the Liberation campaign of the Philippines was officially over. Through the exhibit, the Bank hopes to educate the public especially the youth about the sacrifices and victories of our Filipino WWII heroes.

Actress renews contract with SkinStation

Actress and environmentalist Chin Chin Gutierrez continues to impress people not only with her acting mettle but also with her beauty and youthful looks. Chin Chin said she finds all her skincare needs in SkinStation, which combines nature and science to give the best value in skin pampering.

She just renewed her contract as the official endorser of SkinStation dermatology and spa clinic.

Chin Chin revealed that SkinStation is the secret to her beauty and youthful glow.

SkinStation’s eighth branch at the SM Mall of Asia will open soon.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Friday, July 15, go to awarded broadcaster Julius Babao, Tony Ocampo of Ivory and Vicor Records, Mrs. Tessie Gozon, Robina Gokongwie-Pe, K Brosas, Erick V. Macahindog, Norma Virtucio, Amelia Miranda, Mrs. Amy Santos, Don Christian, Angeline Aguilar, Jon-Jon B. Nuesca, Evelyn Diga, Pol Suarez, Clarence Lovely B. Clarino, Edna Briva, and Jonathan Valdez of Backroom, Inc…. Happy wedding anniversary to former Pres. and Mrs. Joseph Estrada (nee Dr. Loi Pimentel Ejercito)...